Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 To Feature GA High School Band

JONESBORO, GA — The popular Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade will showcase the sound of the Majestic Marching Cardinals of Jonesboro High School, the only Georgia band to grace the prominent holiday event.

According to Macy's, this year's Thanksgiving Day performance will be the first time Jonesboro High will play in the parade. Its band features at least 100 members and is led by Lynel Goodwin, Shannon Curry and Ebony Harris.

The nationally-watched parade is one of multiple notable events for the Cardinals in the past five years. According to Macy's, the school band has appeared in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade and the National Independence Day parade, and it has received an invitation from First Lady Jill Biden to visit the White House.

Macy's event is not the only upcoming show for the Cardinals. They are also set to march to the beat of their drums in London's New Year's Day parade in 2026, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

"This is a monumental achievement, not only for our students but for our entire community," Goodwin told Fox 5 Atlanta. "Their relentless commitment to excellence is paying off, and I couldn’t be prouder of all they've accomplished."

Macy's said the Cardinals create experiences that help mold students into well-rounded adults.

Jonesboro High is collecting donations to help send the band to New York City. According to an online fundraiser, which has an overall goal of $206,250, $1,375 per student is needed.

As of Thursday afternoon, $16,939.53 had been raised.

Performers in the Macy's parade include ensembles from New York, Massachusetts, Texas, South Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, West Virginia and South Dakota.

Musicians T-Pain, Jennifer Hudson, Chloe Bailey, The Temptations, Walker Hayes, Kylie Cantrall, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Dasha, Coco Jones, Bishop Briggs, Alex Warren and Dan and Shay are among those who will perform.

Also included in the lineup are 22 balloons, seven ballonicles, 34 floats, 28 clown crews and 11 groups.

The parade will be held at 8:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, Nov. 28, in New York City. It will be live-streamed on NBC and Peacock.